Vancouver
British Columbia, Canada

Vancouver, British Columbia . . . world-renowned
for its breathtaking natural setting and a cosmopolitan flair, complimented
by beautiful parks and gardens, beaches, and a variety of cultural
and recreational facilities.

Whether
the visitor chooses to laze on one of the many sandy beaches,
enjoy the wide-open spaces, the majestic British Columbia rainforest
and rugged West Coast mountains, join in the beach volleyball
games or windsurf on the ocean, Vancouver's prime location is
perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors. In addition to the cities
scenic location, visitors
also enjoy beautiful gardens, the seawall and world famous Stanley
Park, and the nearly 200 city parks.

Grouse
Mtn. with Canada Place in foregroundPhoto provided courtesy of The Lookout at Harbour Centre
Tower

For
family fun there's the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre,
Science World, CN Imax Theatre, the Miniature Train, and the Kids
Only M arket. Culture buffs can enjoy the entertainment at the many
theatres including the Queen Elizabeth, Orpheum, and Vancouver Playhouse
theatres. There is also the Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden,
the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Vancouver Symphony, Ballet BC, and
hundreds of heritage sites including the Gastown and Chinatown historic
areas. Vancouver also offers world-class entertainment, fantastic
cuisine, and malls and individual stores representing the many cultures
of the city.

Canada
Place. Photo courtesy of Alan Forseth

Within
a 30 minute drive in any direction you arrive at one of the surrounding
southwestern British Columbia communities which have much to offer
those interested in recreation, shopping or culture. Local mountains
offer winter skiing and summer hiking, biking and exploring.

Nearby
North Vancouver offers
the Capilano Suspension Bridge,
the Salmon Hatchery, Seymour Demonstration Forest, Lynn Canyon
Park & Ecology Centre and Cleveland Dam. Take the skyride
to the top of Grouse Mountain and view the entire British Columbia
lower mainland.

To
the east of Vancouver, BC, visitors to Burnaby can enjoy the Burnaby Lake wildlife
sanctuary, Fraser Foreshore Park or Deer Lake Park. All the surrounding communities can offer excellent shopping, sightseeing
spots, recreation opportunities and facilities plus first class
accommodations.

CanaDream RV Rentals and Sales: With 7 Canadian locations including Vancouver, we make it easy for you to enjoy a motorhome vacation with rental vehicles for 1 to 6 people. Choose a truck camper, a van conversion or a Class C motorhome, and experience Canada at your own pace. more

Coastal Springs Float Lodge: A full service salmon fishing lodge in the protected waters of Knight Inlet and Blackfish Sound. We focus on large Chinook Salmon (King or Tyee) and cater to smaller groups offering a premier guided BC salmon fishing and wilderness experience. more

Ecosummer Expeditions: Have a whale of a time at Orca Camp! Sea kayak with Orcas and Humpback whales along BC's Johnstone Strait. Join an intimate group of travelers, paddling out on three, four, or six-day kayaking adventures with expert guides. more

Great River Fishing Adventures: Imagine your line screaming off the reel - the heart pounding excitement as a world-class freshwater fish launches from the water. See & catch more salmon than you have ever dreamed of & even the purist fly anglers will be obsessed with the sturgeon fishing. more

Pitt River Lodge: Only one hour from the city, we’re Vancouver’s ultimate fly fishing destination, the only lodge on the entire river! Drift the Pitt River with the most experienced guides, & enjoy our comfortable full service lodge. Exceptional year round fishing for salmon, ... more

Rocky Mountain Holidays: Rail Vacations in the Rocky Mountains & Western Canada! Rocky Mountain Holidays customize vacations that combine the romance of train travel with the magnificent scenery of Western Canada. more

Steveston Seabreeze Adventures: Experience our warmth and hospitality as we share with you the pristine BC West Coast wilderness. Our love is to observe marine animals in their natural environment, and to share that experience with our tour passengers. Join us for the thrill of a lifetime! more

With
a population of approximately 550,000, Vancouver
lies in a region of more than 2 million people. It is the largest
city in the province of British Columbia, (third largest in
Canada), and is located in the southwest corner of the province
covering an area of 113 sq. km that is surrounded by water
on three sides and by the Coast Range Mountains.

Vancouver
has not only been voted the most beautiful city in Canada, it
has also been voted the number one city in the world to live.

Vancouver,
and the BC lower mainland area, has been inhabited for thousands
of years by first nations peoples. Europeans first explored the
area in the 1770s and 1780s. Captain George Vancouver sailed into
Burrard Inlet in 1792 while searching for the legendary Northwest
Passage. Fur traders followed, and in 1858 prospectors came in
search of gold on the tributaries of the Fraser River. The area
was rapidly settled, and the City of Vancouver was incorporated
in 1886.

Downtown
VancouverPhoto
from The Lookout at Harbour Centre Tower

Climate
- The areas climate is one of the mildest in Canada with temperatures
averaging 3?C in January and 18?C in July. The average annual
precipitation is 1,219 mm, with most rainfall occurring in winter.

Recreation
Facilities & Activities: BC Place (the world's largest air-supported
dome stadium and home to the CFL B.C. Lions), GM Place (home of
the NHL Vancouver Canucks), Aquatic centres, golf courses, beaches,
Grouse Mountain, Seymour Mountain, skiing, diving, sailing, swimming,
windsurfing, sightseeing. Vancouver is currently bidding for the
Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Local

Accommodations:
There are a variety of accommodations for the visitor to choose
from; world class luxury hotels as well as moderately priced family
hotels, motels, hostels and quaint bed and breakfasts. Through-out
the region there are over 18,000 rooms with over 10,000 alone
in the downtown core. The average rate is just over $100 per night,
however rooms can be as economical as $60. Three diamond hotels
can be as much as $1000 a night. Search
a database of all Vancouver & area accommodations